A Better Life
A Mama!Harrington x Claudia Henderson fanfiction
A/N: Been in my drafts for a while, finally finished.
Summary: Set right after season 2, Maggie Harrington comes home to find her son curled up on the floor of the bathroom, in pain, she realizes that she needs to make some changes in her life.
When Maggie walked through the door of her house, it was quiet. Which was strange because Steve usually met her at the door when she called to let him know that she would be coming home. This time, she left before John, who would be coming home in the next couple of days. Maggie called out for her son, but he didn't answer. She frowned and climbed up the stairs. That's when she heard it, a whimpering sound as if something or someone was crying. She headed towards Steve’s bathroom and pushed the door open. Steve was lying on the bathroom floor crying, looking bruised and beaten. Maggie rushed to his side.
"Steve, baby, what happened? Who did this to you?" Maggie asked.
"I'm okay, Mama," Steve sniffled. "Just an asshole who was going to hurt some kids. I couldn't let him hurt them. This pain I can handle. It's the one inside."
"Did something happen with Nancy?" Maggie asked.
"She left me for someone else," Steve said. "I wasn't - I wasn't good enough, and I thought I tried really hard. I really did, but it wasn't enough."
"Oh, baby, I know how much you loved her," Maggie said softly.
She sat on the floor and pulled Steve’s head into her lap. She stroked his hair like she did when he was little. Maggie hated seeing him like this. She hated that she knew Nancy wasn't his first heartbreak, and as she thought about it, she wondered how many times he must have cried alone, wishing they would come home.
"I know you're trying to make it work with Dad, but could you please stay home this time?" Steve sniffled. "Do you really have to go with him?"
Her heart broke. She had been so busy trying to salvage her marriage that she hadn't realized how much she had failed her son.
"No, I don't have to go with him. Not this time. Not ever," Maggie muttered, and she held her boy as he cried.
Two days later, she approached John as soon as he walked through the door.
"I want a divorce," Maggie said.
"Jesus, Mags, can I get through the fucking door first?" John huffed.
"For the last fucking time, it's Maggie. Mags rhymes with rags, and I'm not a rag. I'm also not a bunch of used magazines tossed aside on the coffee table," she said. "I'm done with this."
"What do you want from me?" he sighed.
"I want the house, and I want custody of Steve. You can keep the apartment in New York as well as your whores," she replied and sighed. "You spent a lot of time acting like you needed me, but the truth is that you never needed me, nor did you want me. My son needs me here now."
"Fine," John sighed without hesitation.
He had the decency to look guilty, but Maggie was a little disappointed that he didn't at least try to fight for them. As she looked at him, she wondered what happened to the man who once saved her life, who saved her from being assaulted. . .Did he ever love her, or was she just a box for him to check? Was Steve just another box, too? Maggie couldn't focus on that. Instead, she focused on repairing her relationship with Steve, filing the papers for the divorce, and moving John out of the house.
"How do you feel about this?" Maggie asked a few days later.
They were loading up the last of John's things into a truck.
"What? Oh, I'm good, I'm not that bad that I can't lift a few boxes," Steve said.
"No, I mean, that's good, too, but I'm talking about the divorce," Maggie said.
"He's my dad, and I know I'm supposed to feel something, but honestly, I'm glad he's going, and I think you're better off without him," Steve said.
"You don't have to feel guilty about being glad he's out of our lives. He's the one who made you feel that way," Maggie replied. "I just wish that I hadn't tried so hard."
"You put your heart on the line and you got hurt," Steve said. "He's the one who hurt you and you shouldn't feel guilty about that."
"I hurt you by doing that," she replied.
"You're making up for it now, mom," Steve said. "This divorce. . .it's good for everyone."
Maggie smiled. Her son was always smarter than she was. She ruffled his hair, and he glared playfully at her. They loaded up the last of John's things and walked him to his car. Awkward looks were exchanged and John stood in front of his car, unsure of what to say.
"I'm sorry about all of this," John said.
"Yeah, right," Steve scoffed.
John held out his hand, and Steve scowled as he shook it. Maggie placed a hand on his back. She hadn't said anything, but she was sure that he had figured out that John hadn't fought for custody, that he hadn't fought for him. John got into his car as the movers drove off and pulled out of the driveway. Just as he drove off, another car pulled up into the driveway.
"Who's that?" Maggie asked.
"Dustin and his mother, Claudia," Steve said. "What are they doing here?"
Dustin came running out of the car before it came to a complete stop. His mother shrieked at him. Dustin was a rather adorable boy with curly hair and a hat nestled on top. He came barreling at Steve and threw himself into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"We tried calling you, but we couldn't reach you," Dustin said. "I was worried."
"Oh, I'm fine. Mom just took the phone off the hook because one of my father's. . .uh, friends kept calling," Steve said. "By the way, you just missed him."
Dustin's mother came up after him. She had blond hair, a round, sweet looking face, and dark, beautiful blue eyes that she had passed on to her son. She smiled at Maggie, and Maggie smiled back at her.
"Hi, I'm Claudia Henderson, Dustin's mom," Claudia said and held out her hand for her to shake.
"Maggie Harrington, Steve’s mom," she replied, taking her hand. "Claudia. . .such a pretty name for a pretty woman."
Maggie could feel her son's eyes on her. What? Claudia was a pretty woman. The other woman giggled and blushed, causing Maggie's smile to widen. Now, Dustin was looking at his mother.
"Maggie's pretty, too," Claudia said.
"Is your dad leaving to go on another conference?" Dustin asked Steve.
"Uh, no, he's leaving for good. My parents are getting a divorce," Steve said.
"Shit, sorry, Steve," Dustin said.
"It's been a long time coming," Maggie said.
"Good riddance, honestly," Steve said.
"We've been packing up his stuff all day and was just about to order food. . .did you want to join us?" Maggie asked.
"Yes!" Dustin exclaimed.
"Well, I guess I have no choice now," Claudia said, grinning.
"No," Maggie laughed. "I don't think you do."
Maggie opened the door and let them, showing them to the living room before disappearing into the kitchen. She had just gotten off the phone when Steve walked in. He leaned against the wall next to her, folding his arms with a soft knowing smile on his face.
"Were you flirting with her, Mama?" Steve asked.
"I don't know. . .was I?" Maggie asked.
"Yeah, you totally were," Steve said.
"Well, you see someone pretty and sweet, you have to say something," Maggie said. "Pretty is pretty. . .isn't that how most people think?"
"I mean aside from gays and lesbians, yeah, at least, that's how I think," Steve said.
Maggie looked at her son and studied him for a moment as she thought about all the times she caught him jumping away from Tommy.
"Please, tell me you did not inherit my shitty taste in men," Maggie said.
"I know where you're going with this, and things are over with me and Tommy. . .I walked away from that asshole," Steve said.
"Well, you were always faster at figuring things out than I was," Maggie said.
"How long are you going to beat yourself up over this?" Steve asked.
"As long as it takes," she said.
"I thought you liked Tommy," Steve said.
"Honey, he was your friend. If I told you I didn't like him, would you have listened, especially when I refused to get away from my own shitty relationship?" Maggie asked.
"Probably not, but you could have tried," Steve said.
"I'm sorry," Maggie said softly.
"You're trying now," Steve said.
Maggie wrapped her arm around, and together, they walked back into the living room.
"Pizza's on its way," Maggie said. "I want to hear about this dog that my boy saved you from. . .and this bully who tried to hurt children."
"I would too, but Dustin's not giving me any names," Claudia said.
"Maybe we can work together, and we can get it out of both of them," Maggie said, and Claudia smiled bashfully.
"Steve, you look exactly like your mother. . .did your father's genes fight at all?" Dustin asked.
"Well, aside from my height and my hair, no," Steve laughed.
He had her hair coloring, but her hair curly while his was not. Maggie liked to think he was the best of both of them.
"John was always intimated by the fact I was taller than him," Maggie rolled his eyes.
"He's an idiot," Claudia said. "Tall is. . .good."
"Is it?" She asked in amusement and smiled a crooked smile as she sat down next to her.
A few days later, Maggie found herself on the couch with Steve, the both of them in their pajamas. She handed him a carton of ice cream.
"So, what are we doing here again?" Steve asked.
"We are both mourning the end of serious relationships. . .we need to do some at home therapy," Maggie said.
"Plus, you're trying not to think about Claudia," Steve teased.
"Shh, it's too soon for that," she said and drew her legs underneath her. "Besides, we don't even know if she likes women. Just because we assume that most people think like that doesn't mean that they do or that they're aware of it if they do think like that."
"Okay, now you're just making excuses. She giggled and turned several shades of red," Steve said.
"It's too soon," Maggie said.
"Okay. . .what kind of movies did you get?" Steve asked.
"A mixture of romance and horror," she said.
"Perfect."
Maggie was trying her best to be there for Steve this time, and it wasn't easy. There was still some distance, and she knew it would take some time, but she hated the awkward silences like now they were sitting down to dinner. . .Steve wasn't looking at her as he ate. She knew he had a nightmare last night, but she didn't say what it was about. She hoped she hadn't pressured him too much. . .he had just looked so scared. . .so pale. She didn't know how to talk to him about it, and it didn't seem like he wanted to. She knew he was still getting adjusted to having her home all the time.
"So, how was school?" Maggie asked.
"It was fine. Dustin wants me to take him and his friends to the arcade later," Steve said. "So I said I would."
He didn't look up at her, and she sighed. How does she approach this? Better just to say it. . .
"Honey, as much as I love your relationship with those kids, don't you have any other friends?" Maggie asked.
"Nancy and Jonathan," Steve said, shrugging.
"Your ex and the guy she left you for?" Maggie asked.
"Mom," Steve said and set his fork down, looking at her.
"Don't you think that's a little unhealthy?" Maggie asked.
"And abandoning your kid to chase someone who clearly didn't want you, isn't?" Steve snapped.
Maggie bit her lip and looked down at her plate as tears came to her eyes.
"You're right," she said softly.
"No, mom, I'm sorry. . .I didn't mean it," Steve said.
"I deserved that," Maggie said and blinked away the tears. "I just - I'm trying to be there for you now."
"And you are here. That counts for a lot," Steve said as she looked up at him. "I just - I don't have anyone else at school, okay? Nancy and Jonathan, they're the only ones who get it."
"Get what? What am I missing here, baby?" Maggie asked.
"Mama, please," Steve said.
Maggie stared at her son and sighed. She knew that if she pushed him too hard, he'd be out the door.
"I guess it's just going to take time for us," Maggie said. "Just if you're ever ready to talk, I'm here."
"I just don't want to get my hopes up," Steve said.
It stung, but he was right to say it, and she was going to do everything she could do to prove that she was here. She wasn't going anywhere.
"Are you watching a game this afternoon?" Maggie asked.
"Might watch an old tape after I finish my homework," Steve said.
"That's great," Maggie said.
They fell into a more comfortable silence, but it was still a little tense. It would take time, she told herself. Steve set his fork down and cleared his throat.
"Hey, mom?" Steve asked.
"Yeah?" She asked, looking up.
"Is there anything that you used to like to do before Dad?" Steve asked.
"Well. . .there was archery," Maggie said, fondly. "I was good at it, too."
"Archery? Like with bows and arrows?" Steve asked.
"Yeah."
"My mom's a badass!" Steve grinned, and Maggie laughed. "There's a range here in Hawkins. . .you could show me if you still got it."
"Ooh, I don't think I do, but I wouldn't mind giving it a try," Maggie said, and Steve beamed, his cheeks still full of food. "My little chipmunk."
She remembered when he was about three of four, and he used to stuff whatever he could into his mouth, filling up his cheeks to see how fat he could make them. Blueberries had been his favorite. She remembered trying to get him to stop so he wouldn't choke. He had been such a rascal, and even at that age, Steve liked to temp death. Nearly gave her a heart attack when he almost did choke.
"Mom, please, I'm 17!"
The following weekend, Maggie and Steve found themselves at the archery range surrounded by trees. They had targets in front of them as Maggie prepared to pick up the bow again after so many years. . .nearly 20. Standing in front of the target, she took a deep breath and began. After a few tries, she got it right, and it felt so good to have a bow in her hand again, to have her son cheering her on. And when it came time, Maggie showed her son how to do it.
"Quick learner just like your Mama," Maggie said proudly.
"It's fun. . .I prefer my nailbat, though," Steve said.
"Your nailbat?" Maggie asked.
"Uh, yeah, for. . .raccoons!" Steve said quickly.
"You don't use it on them?!" She asked with horror.
"It's scares them! You know, it looks like very scary teeth," Steve said.
"Right. . .," Maggie said, looking at him doubtfully. "You know, I think we earned some lunch, don't you?"
"Oh, yeah, absolutely!" Steve exclaimed.
They walked back to the car, enjoying the scenery and the fresh air. Every so often, she could feel Steve look at her.
"What?" She asked.
"I'm really glad you're here," Steve said. "I don't think I could have gotten through this break up without you."
"I'm sure you could have," Maggie said.
"I wouldn't have wanted to," Steve replied.
Maggie put her arm thrown her son's smiling. There was a weight off of her shoulders, but she still had a lot to figure out. John hadn't fought them on much with the divorce, so they had managed to split their money quite nicely. Although John had to give a lot more since he cheated. Still, it was weird how amicable he was being. She shouldn't complain, though. She was here with her son.
"Well, it's no Benny's," Maggie said as she slid into a booth. "But it will do."
"Yeah, nothing will ever beat Benny's," Steve said.
"It's a shame what happened to him," Maggie said.
"Yeah," Steve said and winced. "I wouldn't want to go like that."
"He was a good man," Maggie said.
"You knew him?" Steve asked.
"Yeah, before I married your father. I used to hang around with him, Hopper, and Joyce," Maggie said.
"Woah, seriously?" Steve asked.
"Well, on and off," Maggie said. "We got up to no good the four of us. . .until I met John and Joyce met Lonnie. After that, we sort of went our separate ways. I married into money, Steve, I didn't always have it. I wasn't proud of how I let John talk me into just focusing on him, but I was young and in love. He saved my life, and I felt like I owed him."
"I get it, mom," Steve said and looked over her shoulder. "Hey! Speak of the devil."
Maggie turned to look over her shoulder, and she smiled when she saw Hopper walk through the door. She waved her hand at Hopper, beaming. He smiled and walked over to their booth.
"Maggie Kelley, it's been a while," Hopper said. "I thought you'd be off seeing the world. How's, uh, John?"
"He left. I filed for divorce," Maggie said.
"Oh, good, because he was such a - shit, sorry, kid," Hopper said, looking at Steve.
"No, it's alright. You can call him a dick because he is a dick," Steve said. "My mom was just telling me about all the things you used to get up together."
"You told him we slept together?" Hopper asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
"She did NOT say that," Steve said with wide eyes and Maggie laughed.
"Yeah, I hadn't quite got around to that part," she said. "I mean, can you blame me? I couldn't pass up on climbing this wonderful tree."
"Okay. . .gross, when exactly did you sleep with my mother?" Steve asked.
"Oh, honey, unfortunately, you're related to John," Maggie said and patted his hand.
"You've got a good kid here, Maggie," Hopper said and clapped Steve on the shoulder.
"Thanks. I'm pretty proud of him," Maggie said, and Steve smiled.
"Well, I'll leave you to it, I'm just on a lunch break," Hopper said. "It's good to see you back in town."
"Me, too. We should definitely catch up," Maggie said.
"Joyce would love that, too," Hopper said.
Maggie stood up and hugged Hopper tightly. He clapped Steve on the shoulder again and walked away, leaving them to catch up. Their food came, and they ate in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.
"Mom?" Steve asked.
"Yeah?"
"Are you planning on changing your name?" he asked.
Maggie looked at her son. The hazel eyes her son inherited her gazed at her with a look that she couldn't quite decifer.
"There's somewhere else we should go after this," Maggie said.
Maggie led her son through the cemetery until they found the right headstone. Right where they left it. Maggie swallowed and put her arm through her son's. Otis Harrington. Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather.
"It's been a while since we visited," Steve said. "I miss him."
"Me, too," Maggie said.
"He would have kicked Dad's ass if he knew how he treated you," Steve said.
"How he treated the both of us," Maggie said. "He made me feel so welcomed. He treated me like his own daughter especially when my own father - "
"You don't talk about your family. Why is that?" Steve asked.
"My father was an asshole and a drunk. He blamed my mother for not being able to get pregnant again after she had me. He wanted a son, but all he got was a daughter," Maggie said. "My mother always encouraged me to do whatever it took to get out of the house, and she did her best to direct my father's anger away from me. We didn't have enough money for college, and whatever money we did have, my father wasted it on booze."
"That's why you hate having it in the house," Steve realized. "I never knew, or I would have - "
"He never laid a hand on me, but he wasn't kind with his words when he was drunk," Maggie said. "When he was sober, he tried his best to apologize, but they weren't very good. . .always claimed we were too sensitive. Otis Harrington was the father that I should have gotten. He loved me and supported me, especially when I told him that I wanted to go to college and get my degree."
"He was good like that," Steve smiled.
"I loved Otis, and he did his best raising John on his own when Lillian passed. I don't know what happened to John, but he lost himself when Otis died," Maggie said. "I can't be the one to try and bring that back."
"I think that's one of the things you don't really think about as a kid. You see your parents as these superheroes because it just seems like they can do everything all at once. Then you start to grow up, and you realize they can't. It's not possible, but you realize they try their best, and the ones who learn from their mistakes are the best sort of parents because they teach their kids to do the same. The best ones are the ones who come back and decide to stay," Steve said and looked at her. "You know, you're nothing like your dad or John, right?"
"I know," Maggie smiled tearfully. "I just know that the name Harrington still holds merit. . .it's still good. Yeah, I'm keeping the name, not because of John. . .well, okay, kind of because he gave me you, and Otis helped bring John in the world. . .I'm keeping it because of you and because of Otis. I once called John my family, but it's always been Otis. It's always been you. It's still a good name, and I want to continue to be a good name. You came from Otis, too."
"Do you think - do you think Dad will ever come around?" Steve asked.
"I hope for your sake and his that he does, but we can't force him to be someone that he doesn't want to be," Maggie said. "We can only focus on what we have now. Each other."
"It's more than enough for me," Steve whispered.
That night, Maggie crawled into bed and stared at the walls. Did she really think this wallpaper was a good idea? There were lots of things that she thought were good ideas, but they actually weren't. Her mind filtered through the many different types of wallpaper, trying to decide which ones would look better. . .the memories of her life choices intermingling with the wallpaper. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she drifted off to sleep.
BANG!
Maggie sat up with a start. She got out of bed. Steve probably knocked something over. Her senses were telling her otherwise. She crept slowly out into the hallway and met Steve there. He was gripping a bat with nails in it. Her eyes went wide.
"It wasn't me," Steve whispered.
Maggie motioned for Steve to stay back and moved back into her bedroom. The noise was coming from downstairs from John's old study, and it was definitely someone else in the house. Maggie picked up the phone on her bedside table and called Hopper.
"I'll be there soon. Do not approach them. Find a place to hide," Hopper said. "If you have to, Steve has his bat."
"Whoever it is, they're coming upstairs," Steve whispered to Maggie.
She quickly hung up the phone, closed her bedroom door, and shoved Steve into her closet. She took the bat from him, and he opened his mouth to protest.
"I'm the mother," she replied. "Stay."
She closed the closet door and moved by the bed, raising the bat. Whoever it was, they stopped outside the door. Maggie held her breath. Her bedroom door opened, and a figure dressed all in black crept carefully into the room. Maggie swung the bat, but the person had better instincts and managed to avoid being hit. The person ducked and swung out their leg. Maggie landed on her back, the bat falling from her hand. The person got up, and before Maggie knew it, a fist was flying into her face. She screamed. The closet door was thrown open, and Steve was throwing himself on top of her attacker.
"Not my Mama, you dick!" Steve yelled.
As they were rolling around on the floor, Maggie got up and picked up the bat again. The man dove just as she swung and the nails scraped against his leg. The masked man screamed. He quickly grabbed her car keys off the dresser and headed towards the door. Steve grabbed him by his backpack, but the man slipped out of it, letting it go. He limped out of the room, leaving a trail of blood. Maggie and Steve went after him. They followed him out the front door and watched as he got into Maggie's car. The man pulled out, and another car took off behind him. It wasn't long after that Hopper showed up. He gave instructions to his deputies over the radio and the descriptions of the vehicles. Hopper walked back over to Maggie, who was still leaning in the doorway holding onto Steve tightly.
"Do you need a ride to the hospital, Maggie?" Hopper asked.
"No, why?" Maggie asked.
"You're bleeding, Mom," Steve said and pointed at her forehead.
Maggie touched her eyebrow and found that she was bleeding.
"Oh, it's just a small cut. I'm fine," Maggie said.
"What did these assholes steal?" Hopper asked.
Steve dug through the backpack that he had taken from the intruder.
"Well, he only got the car, I think, but it looked like he tried to steal a bunch of Mom's jewelry and the deed to the house," Steve said.
"Damn it, John," Maggie cursed.
"You think your ex-husband is behind this?" Hopper asked.
"He never does anything himself, but I know that he was upset about Otis leaving me the house. . .although that I had to find out from someone else. He never could tell me when something was bothering him, one of our many problems. Even though John bought the car for me, he always called it his other car," Maggie said. "That's why he's settled without a fight. He didn't want people to think he was after anything. Seems like a stupid plan to me."
"He's in New York?" Hopper asked.
"Yeah," Maggie said.
"Well, I have a cop friend up there. I'll see if they can look into it," Hopper said.
"Thank you," Maggie said.
"In the meantime, do you have anywhere else you can stay this evening?" Hopper asked.
"I mean, I think so," Maggie said blushing.
"Yeah, we know a place," Steve grinned.
After calling Claudia, Maggie and Steve found themselves at her place. Maggie and Claudia had been talking over the phone for the last couple of weeks. Honestly, she was the first and only person that Maggie had thought of. Dustin had answered the door with a grin.
"I wish it had been under better circumstances, but I'm glad you're here!" Dustin exclaimed.
"Yeah?" Steve asked.
"Totally. Let me show you my comics!" Dustin exclaimed and grabbed Steve’s hand, pulling him inside. "Hi, Mrs. Harrington! Bye, Mrs. Harrington!"
"Dusty!" Claudia exclaimed.
Dustin had already pulled Steve into his room. Maggie laughed as Claudia let her in.
"It's alright, Claudia," Maggie said.
"Oh, come into the kitchen and let me take care of that eye," Claudia said. "It's already starting bruise."
Maggie was pushed gently into a chair, and she watched as Claudia grabbed a bag of frozen peas from the freezer. Claudia approached Maggie and placed the bag carefully against Maggie's eye. She swallowed as she watched Claudia's concerned face.
"By the way, thank you for doing this, all of this," Maggie said.
"I'm happy to help," Claudia said and paused. "Do you really think John is behind this?"
"I want to say no, but. . .It's just hard to believe that he hates us this much," Maggie sighed. "I just hate that I didn't leave him sooner for Steve’s sake."
"I carry around a lot of guilt, too," Claudia said.
"You do?" Maggie asked.
"Of course, I do. I thought if I tried hard enough that we could be a family because that's what we women are supposed to do even when it's bad. No matter how hard I tried, it wasn't good enough to make him a better husband or father. When he turned to take his bullying out on Dusty, that was it, I couldn't be married to him anymore. I can't change the past or the fact that it took me so long to get out, I'm just glad I did. You pulled yourself out, and you did that for the both of you. That's what makes you a really great mom," Claudia said, stroking her cheek.
Maggie sniffled and leaned into her touch.
"Thank you," she whispered. "For everything."
She gazed at Claudia. This is what support is supposed to feel like.
"How are you feeling?" Claudia asked as she removed the peas.
"Better," Maggie grinned.
The next morning, Maggie insisted on taking Dustin along with Steve to school since Claudia needed to go to work early. It didn't take Claudia long to cave once Maggie made her eyes bigger. Because her car had been stolen, Maggie had to use Steve’s car today, not that Steve had minded. It made Maggie smile, listening to Steve and Dustin argue in the backseat. It was almost like they were brothers, especially since they were arguing about comic books, which Maggie was sure they had stayed up reading last night.
"All I'm saying is don't underestimate Spider-Man," Steve said.
"Yes, Steve, I know that, I like Spider-Man. That's why I have the comics," Dustin rolled his eyes and smiled. "I'm glad he's your favorite, though."
"Alright, boys, we're here," Maggie said.
"You still going to introduce me to Nancy Drew tonight?" Dustin asked Steve.
"Yeah, I said I would," Steve replied.
"You still read Nancy Drew?" Maggie asked.
"Yeah, is that a problem?" He asked.
"No, honey, I think it's sweet," she replied.
"Hold on. . .is that why you fell in love with Nancy?" Dustin asked.
"No," Steve said, and Dustin looked at him. "Well. . .only partially."
"You hanging out with Nancy and Jonathan today?" Maggie asked.
"Mom," Steve said in warning tone.
"Yeah, I think it's weird, too!" Dustin exclaimed.
"It's not as weird as you think it is," Steve said, rolling his eyes.
"Just maybe try to make another friend," Maggie said. "I'm just worried, that's all."
"Ooh, what about that one? He looks cool!" Dustin exclaimed, pressing his finger to Steve’s window.
"That's Eddie Munson," Steve scoffed.
"Well, let's see if he's more like Wayne or more like Al," Maggie said.
She leaned over and rolled down the passenger's side window.
"Mom, what are you doing?!" Steve hissed.
"Excuse me, Eddie?" Maggie called out the window.
Eddie had been walking away from his van and towards the school. He whirled around, and his eyes went wide. He pointed to himself with a questioning look. Maggie smiled and nodded. He cautiously moved over to the car, and he looked through the open window.
"Hi?" Eddie asked in confusion.
"I'm Maggie and the older boy back there is my son - ,"
"Steve Harrington," Eddie grinned.
"Yes, you know of him, would you like to know him better?" Maggie asked.
"Mom, do you know how creepy you sound?" Steve scoffed.
"What's Hellfire?" Dustin asked, looking at his shirt.
"It's the name of his D&D club here," Steve said, waving his hand.
"There's a D&D club here at Hawkins, and you knew about it?!" Dustin yelled. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I thought you knew!" Steve yelled, and Eddie laughed.
"Well, I didn't!" Dustin exclaimed. "Mrs. H, you're best friends with my mom. Can you talk her into moving me into high school now?"
"I think you can wait a year, Dustin," Maggie said in amusement.
"The hell I can't!" He said.
"Well," Eddie said, flashing his dimples. "My friend Gareth should still be there. I think I can talk him into leaving a position available for. . .?"
"Dustin Henderson," he said, holding out his hand.
"Dustin Henderson," Eddie grinned, shaking his hand. "Looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table, especially if you bring that helm of protection with you."
"Steve, you have to be friends with this guy," Dustin said. "You have to."
"I don't have to do anything," Steve said. "And just because you said something, I'm doubling down harder."
"No! Don't! I take it back," Dustin said.
"Mmm, too late," Steve said and Eddie cackled.
"So, why is your mother trying to set you up with a friend?" Eddie asked.
"She thinks it's weird that I'm only hanging out with Nancy and Jonathan," Steve asked, rolling her eyes.
"Your ex and the guy she left you for?" Eddie asked.
"It's not that weird!" He yelled, blushing. "And mom, seriously, it's not necessary."
"I just want you to be okay and to make up for focusing too much on your asshole of a father," Maggie said, touching her eye.
"You know, my mom died when I was six, and I would love it if she was around to make sure I was okay," Eddie said.
"I really do appreciate this, Mom," Steve said. "But I'm okay."
"Mrs. H, take me back to my mother, I want to give her a hug," Dustin said.
"You'll be late for school. You still have a few minutes," Maggie smiled.
"I'll be your friend, big boy," Eddie grinned.
"Are you calling Steve fat?" Dustin asked, narrowing his eyes at Eddie. "Or are you calling him that because of his hair?"
"Oh, the hair definitely," Eddie said.
"You'll be my friend?" Steve asked.
"I'm a sucker for jocks who are big mama's boys," Eddie said and opened his door. "I'll walk you to class."
"Oh, the looks on people's faces when we walk through the doors together," Steve grinned.
"Another good reason to be your friend," Eddie said.
Dustin slipped out of the backseat and Eddie closed the door behind him.
"Thanks for the ride, Mrs. H! Bye, Steve, bye Eddie! I'm telling my friends all about you!" Dustin yelled and ran towards the middle school.
"You're going to talk to Hop and the divorce lawyer today, right?" Steve asked through the window.
"Yeah, then I will be back to pick you boys up," Maggie said. "Have a good day."
"Thanks, Mama, love you," Steve said and kissed her on the cheek.
As she pulled out of the parking lot, she heard Eddie's and Steve's voices float through the still open window.
"You call her Mama?" Eddie asked.
"She's my Mama. What else am I supposed to call her?" Steve asked and Maggie laughed.
After finishing up the report on the break-in and talking to her lawyer, she picked up stuff for dinner before picking up the boys. Maggie couldn't help but smile when Steve came out of the front doors laughing bosteriously with Eddie. Nancy, she recognized, was following behind them with the Byers boy, Jonathan. Not that she didn't want him hanging out with just Jonathan and Nancy. She just didn't want him to make the same mistakes that she did, but watching them, she realized that even if he was, she had to let him make them. While he did look like her, he also looked like his father as well as Otis. If Steve knew what he was doing, then she had to trust him. She was glad that he seemed to be making a friend in Eddie.
"Something smells good," Claudia said as she walked through the door of her home.
"I just thought I would make dinner as a way to say thank you," Maggie said.
"You didn't have to do that," Claudia said.
"I wanted to, besides this is an old family recipe. It was always my favorite, and I never really got to share it with anyone," Maggie said. "John never liked my cooking."
"What can I do to help?" Claudia asked, placing a hand on Maggie's back.
"Taste this," Maggie said and held out a spoon.
She watched as Claudia leaned forward and ate the food off the spoon. Maggie smiled as Claudia's eyes lit up, and she touched her lips.
"I think I want to keep you," Claudia giggled.
"I think I want to let you keep me," Maggie said, and the other woman blushed. "Just sit and relax."
"Where are the boys?" Claudia asked.
"They're in Dustin's room working on their homework," Maggie replied.
"How was the lawyer?" Claudia asked.
"Good, everything's split down the middle, and honestly, I don't want to fight, I'm getting everything that I want, which is the divorce," Maggie said. "And I have a very sympathetic lawyer, so that's even better."
"What are your plans for after the divorce?" Claudia asked.
"I don't really know. For the longest time, I wanted to teach kids, you know, guide them, but I don't know if I want to be a teacher or a guidance counselor," Maggie said.
"With the money, you'll have some time to figure that out, though, right?" Claudia asked.
"Yeah, what I really need to focus on is how I want to redecorate the house. . .I don't know what I was thinking when I chose that wallpaper. Well, I definitely wasn't in my right mind," Maggie said, and Claudia giggled.
"It's not that bad," she said.
"You're too sweet," Maggie said.
"You could just - ," Claudia stopped herself.
"What?" Maggie asked.
"It's nothing, it's a silly thought," Claudia said. "I'll set the table, I think."
"Claudia," Maggie said.
"Well, okay, I was just thinking that you guys could stay here while adjustments are being made to the house," Claudia said. "But if it's - "
"Is that a real offer?" Maggie asked.
"Yes," Claudia said, looking into her eyes.
"Steve and I would love to stay here," Maggie said and Claudia squealed.
"That's great!"
November rolled into December, and the Harringtons had settled comfortably into the Henderson household. Maggie was busy getting the house ready while Steve was working on making sure he graduated at the end of the year. Over the last month, they had become quite the little tight nit family. They had done everything from cooking dinner together to going out and picking out decorations for Christmas. Dustin and Claudia liked having them both around. Claudia had been treated Steve like her own, and Maggie had done the same with Dustin. It was hard for Maggie not to think of Claudia as something more, and she was definitely in love with her. She had to stop herself from calling Claudia her wife. . .if only.
"I've brought you something, my dear!" Maggie sang as she strolled into the house.
Claudia was sitting in the living room with the boys, watching television when Maggie came in. The blanket was wrapped carefully in her arms, and Maggie was grateful that it hadn't made a noise. She managed to close the door carefully with her foot, and she smiled when the boys jumped up to help her dust the snow off of her. Dustin jumped.
"Why did the blanket move, Maggie?" Dustin asked.
"Come here, sweetheart, and open your gift," Maggie said to Claudia.
"It's not Christmas yet," Claudia said as she got up.
"It came early just for you," she replied and placed the bundle in her arms.
Dustin and Steve moved to Claudia's side to get a better look. Claudia opened the blanket to reveal a white kitten.
"A cat!" Claudia gasped.
"I was on my way back from the house when I saw someone abandon this sweet girl," Maggie said. "I know how much you miss having a cat. . .I just thought - "
"We have a baby!" Claudia exclaimed joyfully.
It felt like Maggie's heart had leaped right into her throat. Yeah, she was definitely in love with Claudia Henderson. She didn't miss the way Steve and Dustin whispered excitedly to each other. Her smile grew.
"Yeah, we do."
The next day consisted of listening to Dustin worry about the Snow Ball while Claudia tried to calm him down and deal with Tews, the cat she named after Mews. Maggie found it beyond endearing.
"You're going to be fine, Dustin," Maggie said. "And you're going to have a good time. Everyone gets nervous for their first dance."
"What if nobody wants to dance with me?" He asked.
"Ask your friends to dance with you, and don't be afraid to dance by yourself, too," Maggie said. "It will happen. . .don't try to force it."
"Okay, okay," Dustin said.
"Take some deep breaths, in and out, if you have to, and just focus on the music," Maggie said and straightened his bowtie.
"Steve! Can you help me with my hair?!" Dustin exclaimed.
"Sure thing," Steve grinned.
"Thanks, Maggie, for trying," Dustin said. "I'm still nervous as hell."
"In and out," Maggie said.
The next thing they knew, Dustin was flying out the door with Steve after Claudia snapped a few pictures. She picked Tews back up and cuddled her to her chest.
"His first dance, I can't believe it," Claudia said. "I remember when he was just a baby. . .oh, you should have seen him. . .he's growing up so fast."
"I've seen the pictures. He was an adorable baby," Maggie said. "I wish I could have met you guys back then."
"I would have left Walt for you," Claudia laughed.
"Really? Because I was just thinking that I would have left John for you," Maggie laughed.
"It would have been better," Claudia blushed. "Although, we wouldn't have had the kids. . ."
Maggie sat down on the arm of her chair, gazing down at her. She cupped Claudia's cheek and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Claudia gazed back at Maggie, her blue eyes twinkling hopefully. She smiled bashfully and leaned into her touch. She wasn't sure what the thought was, but suddenly, the smile dropped from Claudia's face. Maggie could feel it, too. As much as she wanted to, she was afraid, and she wasn't ready for what might come next. As if reading their thoughts, Tews meowed loudly and patted Claudia's face.
"I think she's hungry," Claudia laughed.
"Well, can't let our girl starve," Maggie said and Claudia giggled.
"No, we can't."
Another month passed before things finally worked themselves out. Maggie's divorce had officially gone through (she thought it would have taken longer), and the renovations on the house had been complete, much to Maggie's disappointment. Maggie had loved living here. It had felt like she had found her home, her family, especially when she found Dustin showing Steve a very dangerous experiment. Maggie had to stop herself from calling Dustin Steve’s brother when she scolded him for not knowing better. When they just laughed, they knew what she had been about to say. It was also so nice because it felt like Claudia and Maggie had found such perfect partners with each other.
"The renovations are complete," Maggie blurted out.
Maggie and Claudia were sprawled out on the couch, watching TV. Steve and Dustin were over at the Wheelers. Steve, Nancy, and Jonathan had invited Eddie over to watch the kids play D&D. All three of them had become quite close to Eddie, and Maggie was happy with herself for trusting Steve’s judgment. He definitely seemed to know what he was doing. Maggie was currently slouching against the back of the couch, her feet propped up on the coffee table. Her head was resting comfortably against Claudia's shoulder while Claudia scratched behind Tews' ear. Claudia turned off the television and turned to Maggie.
"Oh, already?" Claudia asked. "Does that mean that you have to move back?"
"I guess. I mean, we don't have to move back into that house. We could find another place to live," Maggie said.
"Or - ," Claudia cut herself off, blushing.
"What, Claudia?" Maggie asked hopefully.
"You could just stay here forever," she said.
"Forever, huh?" Maggie asked.
"If you want," she said. "And you could move out of the guest bedroom. . .if that's what you wanted, as well."
"Where would I sleep?" Maggie asked.
"With me, maybe?" Claudia asked, and then she got flustered. "I know it's only been a few months, but we both love having you here, and I think the minute I saw you. . .the minute you spoke to me. . .I love you, Maggie. You listen to me, and you just appreciate me. You're great with Dusty, and you gave us Tews. You and Steve have become a part of our family. We don't want you to go."
Maggie smiled at her and cupped Claudia's cheek. In this moment, Maggie never trusted herself more. She didn't have a single doubt.
"I love you, too," Maggie said. "And I would love to stay forever."
Maggie leaned in and pressed her lips to Claudia's, who let out a delighted giggle. She kissed Maggie back rather eagerly, slipping her hand into Maggie's curls. She moved her hand to the back of Claudia's neck and deepened the kiss. Maggie smirked at the little gasp that Claudia let out. She wanted to make it a good one. This would be the last first kiss for both of them, Maggie wanted to make sure of it.
"OH MY GOD! CAN WE GET BUNKBEDS?!"
Maggie sprang away from Claudia and turned to the doorway. Dustin and Steve stood by the front door with grins on their faces. For a moment, they really did look like they were brothers.
"Okay. . .you're jumping the gun a bit, Dustin," Steve said, slapping his hand on Dustin's shoulders. "When did this happen?"
"Just now," Maggie said. "Right before you boys came. . .I thought you'd be longer."
"Yeah, well, Mike was being an asshole to his mom, so we had to leave," Dustin said.
"Claudia asked us if we wanted to stay permanently, and I didn't even think to ask if you - ," Maggie said.
"This is great!" Steve beamed. "Seriously, Mama, this is the best thing that could have happened. . .Seriously, though, can we have bunkbeds?"
Claudia blinked and jumped a little when she realized that Steve was talking to her.
"I don't see why not," Claudia said.
"Let's go measure!" Dustin yelled and pulled Steve toward their bedroom.
"You think they realize that you're going to be moving out of the guest room?" Claudia laughed.
"I think they just really want bunkbeds," Maggie grinned.
"STEVE!" They heard Dustin yell.
"Jesus! I'm right here. You don't have to yell!"
"DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?!"
"Again, yelling! Tell me in a normal tone of voice what this means!"
"WE HAVE TWO MOMS! TWO MOMS, STEVE! ISN'T THAT COOL?!"
"Yeah, I got that! I was there, butthead! Yeah, it is cool, but I would appreciate it if you wouldn't out our parents to the whole goddamn neighborhood!"
"Oh, yeah, right! Sorry!"
"You know this also means that we're brothers!"
Suddenly, there came a thunder of feet as they ran back into the living room. Dustin immediately threw himself into Maggie's arms, to her surprise. Steve wrapped his arms around Claudia. She looked surprised for a moment as well before quickly cooing and hugging him back. Maggie laughed and squeezed Dustin, placing kisses on the top of his head.
"Seriously, Mama, this is the best move you ever made," Steve grinned.
"Oh, shit, I get to call her that, too!" Dustin exclaimed and they all laughed.
As they held their boys in their arms, Maggie knew she had made the right decision this time.
A FEW MONTHS LATER. . .
"Oh, I can't believe our little chipmunk is graduating!" Claudia sniffled.
"Mom, please," Steve said, but he was smiling.
It was just in the beginning of November that Maggie had come home to find Steve on the floor of his bathroom, bruised and crying. It had been the kick in the ass that she needed to change things, and she had changed things for the better. Now, he was getting ready with his brother in the same bathroom that they now shared. His brother. Steve was graduating high school, Maggie had become a realtor after selling the house, but she was still hoping to become a guidance counselor, too. So many things had changed for the better in the seven months, and it was amazing how that could happen once you realized that you deserved better. Maggie smiled at Claudia. She got incredibly lucky.
"Am I doing this right, Steve?" Dustin asked.
"You don't have to do this, Dusty," Steve said.
"I want everyone to know that my big brother is graduating today," Dustin said. "And I'm going to do my hair like yours."
"Well, we've been here before. Your type of hair is different than mine, so it's not going to come out exactly the same," Steve said.
"Steve!" Dustin exclaimed.
"Right, you want to look like your big brother. Got it," Steve said and looked at him softly.
Maggie wrapped an arm around Claudia as they watched their sons. They stood in front of the mirror, making last-minute adjustments and making sure their outfits were in place.
"Come on, Steve, do it," Dustin said.
"Yeah, no, not going to happen," Steve said.
"You know you want to," Dustin said.
"Fine."
Maggie held up the Polaroid, and just as they both growled in the mirror, she took the shot.
"Mama!" Dustin and Steve exclaimed.
"Couldn't help it," Maggie grinned, holding up the photo. "Worth it."
Dustin and Steve rolled their eyes before moving into the living room. They followed them, and Claudia smoothed down Steve’s collar.
"Oh, I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday that you were this tiny little thing, and I was holding you in my arms -"
"Mom, you weren't actually there when Steve was born," Dustin said.
"Dusty! Let Mommy have this!" Claudia exclaimed.
"She absolutely was. Don't let him tell you otherwise, sweetheart," Maggie said and kissed her. "I'm so proud of our son."
"Crazy," Dustin grinned. "Speaking of. . .is Eddie going to be there?"
"No. . .he's kind of upset that he's not going to graduate again. Although, I was kind of hoping he'd set it aside for just a moment and be there for me," Steve frowned. "But I get it."
"I'm sorry, baby," Maggie said. "Maybe he'll surprise you."
"It's okay. Let's go."
While Maggie couldn't show her affection for Claudia in public the way she wished she could, just having her there by her side and being just as emotional as she was made it so much better. To everyone outside the party, they were roommates and best friends raising their children together, which wasn't far from the truth. Maggie was glad to just have her there. When they got to the school, Joyce was waiting in the parking lot with Will, Jonathan, and Nancy. Maggie hugged Joyce eagerly.
"Maggie," Joyce said and grinned. "This brings back memories, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, maybe we can sneak behind the gym and smoke a little pot one more time?" Maggie laughed.
"Yeah, except our other partner in crime could arrest us," Joyce said.
"I am not all surprised, Maggie," Claudia said.
"I suppose you were quite the good girl in high school, Claudia?" Maggie asked.
"I did some naughty things in high school, I'll have you know," Claudia said, rolling her eyes affectionately.
Maggie laughed, her eyes darting to Steve, who was now wedged in between Nancy and Jonathan. He was scanning the parking lot for any sign of Eddie. He couldn't be bothered to pay attention to the conversation. Dustin was rolling his eyes with Will, however.
"He told you that he wasn't going to come?" Nancy asked Steve.
"Yeah, but I'm hoping that he changed his mind," Steve sighed, and his shoulders dropped. "Let's go in, I don't think he's coming."
"Hold on, I see Sue and Charles pulling up," Maggie said.
Maggie beamed when Sue and Charles had immediately embraced Steve tightly, gushing about how proud they were of him. Steve had mentioned back in November that he hadn't expected many people to show up, and Maggie was glad that their son had been proven wrong. Eventually, they had no choice but to walk into the gymnasium. Maggie and Claudia rubbed his back briefly as they walked him in. They found some seats that weren't too close but not too far away.
"Oh, look at that idiot! Where the hell did he get a bear that big?" Dustin asked.
Maggie looked at the doors and found someone trying to get through with a stuffed toy bear that was big as they were. They somehow managed to get through and collapsed on the first bench they could find.
"That's a really big bear," Will said.
"Some parents go really far to show they love their kids," Dustin said.
"I think it's sweet," Claudia said.
"Me too," Maggie said.
The ceremony began, and they waited for Steve to walk across the stage set up in the middle of the gym. Maggie discreetly held Claudia's hand, letting her presence comfort her. Their baby was graduating high school. Despite the fact that it was all a joke, it really did feel like Dustin and Claudia had been there all along. It took everything in Maggie not to cheer as Steve walked across the stage. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she was grateful that Jonathan had offered to take pictures. She wasn't sure if she could hold up a camera. Steve caught Maggie's eye as he accepted his diploma, and he beamed, his hazel eyes filling with tears. Maggie couldn't fix the past, but she felt that this moment made up for a lot of the things she missed. Her heart swelled with pride. Finally, when the ceremony was over, Maggie and the others rushed over to Steve.
"I am so proud of you," Maggie said and she hugged Steve tightly.
"I'm proud of you," Steve whispered in her ear.
"OH MY GOD! The guy with the bear is Eddie!" Dustin yelled.
Maggie and Steve broke the hug quickly. The giant bear was now coming towards them and it sounded like it was cursing.
"Goddamn it, Henderson, it was going to be a surprise!" Eddie's muffled voice came from behind the bear.
He dropped it, revealing his face. His hair was matted with sweat, and his face was red. Eddie glared at Dustin.
"Is the bear for me?" Steve asked with a grin.
"Yeah, look, I know I told you that I wouldn't come because, well, I was being such a miserable asshole but then I saw your disappointed face when I said that. I know that you tried to hide but it came out anyway and I fucking saw it. Steve Harrington wanted ME at his graduation, and you were making sad puppy dog eyes at me - anyway, I got you a bear," Eddie said.
"Where did you get a bear this big?" Steve asked.
"I know a guy, and he owed me a huge favor," Eddie said.
"You have a bear guy who owes you a huge favor? What did you do for this guy?" Steve asked.
"Oh, I'll tell you all about it later," Eddie waved his hand at him. "Congratulations, big boy."
Steve laughed and wrapped his arms around Eddie, hugging him tightly.
"Thanks for being the bigger person today," Steve said.
"Anything for you," Eddie sighed.
Maggie smiled at the sight of them. She was glad she was able to turn things around, and because of that, Steve had a better life. She had a better life, too. She turned to look at Claudia and Dustin, who was smiling at Steve. They loved him as much as she did. This family that they brought together came from a place where they thought that being a family meant looking exactly like a Norman Rockwell painting, but it was the exact opposite. It was whatever made you happy, that made you feel safe, and it wasn't perfect all the time, but it was a good kind of chaos. Maggie could have gotten here without help, but looking at Claudia, she was glad that risked it all and gave her heart to another person. Claudia and Dustin they were worth it.
"Are you okay?" Claudia asked and she smiled.
"Never been better," she said.
